PM orders fact-finding inquiry into wheat import

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a fact-finding inquiry into the import of wheat by the caretaker government during its tenure.

Official sources said the prime minister, while chairing a meeting on wheat issue towards the end of last week, had ordered an inquiry into the wheat import.

The sources said that Mian Mushtaq Ahmad, a retired Judge of High Court, also a member of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), will conduct the fact-finding inquiry.

The one-man inquiry team had been directed to submit a detailed report on wheat import in two weeks.

It may be pointed out here that the government has not been able to procure wheat from farmers due to the existing stock owing to import of wheat by the interim government.

During the last year, the government allowed the import of wheat between 2.9 and three million tonnes against the target of 2.5 million tonnes.

The sources said that target for wheat import is set keeping in view expected requirement and situation of the upcoming crop. However, the target for the last year was changed on different occasions.

As a result, farmers already bearing the high input cost of crop have not been able to get their commodity procured by the government.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari has voiced his support for farmers and urged the National Accountability Bureau to investigate the cabinet’s decision to import wheat into the country.

Addressing a convention on the International Labour Day, jointly organised by the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists, National Press Club and Pakistan Workers Federation at the National Press Club, Bokhari questioned the silence of NAB chairman on the wheat import issue. He stressed the need for accountability, saying that if NAB takes action against politicians, it should also hold the cabinet accountable for approving wheat imports.

Bokhari reiterated the PPP’s stance against anti-farmer policies, saying that the prosperity of farmers is crucial for Pakistan’s prosperity. He called for meeting all legitimate demands of farmers and urged the government to purchase wheat at the declared official price to support bumper production.

Expressing concern over unresolved farmers issues potentially leading to food shortages in future, the PPP leader urged the Punjab government to address the situation seriously. He emphasized that if the government fails to address farmers’ problems, it forfeits its right to govern.

Former prime minister and Speaker of the National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf praised Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for challenging the capitalist system and empowering workers during his tenure. He reaffirmed PPP’s commitment to supporting workers’ rights and improving working conditions.

Senator Nasir Butt of the PMLN reiterated the government’s commitment to providing relief to the people of Pakistan and pledged support for labourers’ welfare.

Chaudhary Muhammad Yasin, Secretary of the Pakistan Workers Federation and CDA Mazdoor Union, highlighted the challenges faced by labourers despite International Labour Day, including the lack of implementation of labour laws and neglect of workers’ representative organisations.

The president of RIUJ, Tariq Virk, emphasised the need for insurance coverage for cameramen and called for the implementation of minimum wage laws for media workers. He urged swift action on the Journalist Protection Bill.

The president of the National Press Club, Azhar Jatoi, reaffirmed the club’s solidarity with journalists and workers, pledging unwavering support for their rights and interests.

Secretary of the National Press Club Ms. Nayyer Ali called for the immediate drafting of rules for the Journalist Protection Bill, ensuring inclusion of all stakeholders in the legislative process.